What is Jesus doing in heaven?

Comment

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

Writer

Posted Dec. 28, 2013 at 3:00 PM

Posted Dec. 28, 2013 at 3:00 PM

Coldwater, Mich.

What is Jesus doing in heaven right now? The Apostles’ Creed declares that Jesus "suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried, he descended into hell, the third day he rose again from the dead, he ascended into heaven." It also goes on to say that he is currently sitting at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

Is that all that we can say though? Is Jesus merely sitting there, waiting to return? Is he active in any way? Actually, he is active. Hebrews 7:25 tells us just what it is that Jesus is doing right now. After explaining that Jesus is our great High Priest, we then learn about his power and ongoing work, "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Here the ability of Christ is shown to secure our salvation to the uttermost. What is interesting about this verse is the words ‘uttermost’ and ‘always lives.’ Looking at the first one, this adjective can be understood two ways. It can be saying something qualitatively, which means it would say that he is able to save us completely. Or it can be understood temporally, which would render it, "he is able to save us forever."

To be quite honest, I don’t think that we need to choose between these two options — salvation in Christ is both complete as well as permanent. When we turn to Christ he is able to save us and, as we turn to him for salvation, he saves us for all time. This means, though, that salvation is only found in coming to Christ. This is what we read in the verse, "those who draw near to God through him." As Jesus testifies, he is the way, the truth, and the life, and no man can come to the Father but by him.

The reality of all of this is because he lives to make intercession for us. This word means that he intervenes for us with the Father. Jesus is always praying in our behalf. This is an amazing truth and certainly not something that we can ever fully comprehend. But it points to the fact that Christ, while he is sitting at the right hand of the Father and waiting for all things to be placed under his feet, is active in our behalf.

I think that John Calvin drives home the right reaction on this truth: "

What sort of pledge and how great is this of love towards us! Christ lives for us, not for himself! That he was received into a blessed immortality to reign in heaven, this has taken place, as the Apostle declares, for our sake. Then the life, and the kingdom, and the glory of Christ are all destined for our salvation as to their object; nor has Christ anything, which may not be applied to our benefit."

Page 2 of 2 - The Bible even gives us a glimpse of what it is that Christ prays. In John 17 we read a prayer that Jesus offered up for his disciples and those who would, later, believe through their testimony. One of the things Jesus prays for is that his disciples will be kept. The word means ‘guarded’ or ‘preserved.’ Jesus knows that we will face difficult times and that our faith will be tried. He prays that we will persevere in those moments. Another prayer that he offers up is for unity, "that they may be one, even as we are one." Christians are called to pursue unity together even if that unity is only spiritual this side of heaven.

And of course there is also the prayer that Jesus uttered from the Cross as he was dying, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." All of these things — perseverance, unity, and the forgiveness of sins — Jesus continues to pray for his people. This is why we can approach the Father in prayer, because the Son has secured a place for us.

All of this is meant to be an encouragement to you. Sometimes it can seem as though prayers are merely words that come out of our mouths and go nowhere. We might even feel like we are talking to ourselves. The truth, though, is that Jesus is praying for us. And because this is true we are able to approach God with boldness, knowing that he delights to hear our prayers and help us.

Pastor Everett Henes, the pastor of the Hillsdale Orthodox Presbyterian Church, can be reached at pastorhenes@gmail.com.